Canada has seen a dramatic increase in the number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) approved for employment over the past few years. This trend underscores a significant shift in the labor market and highlights the country’s evolving approach to addressing workforce shortages. Let’s dive into the details to understand what’s driving this change and what it means for various industries and future policy directions.
A Big Jump in TFW Approvals
To put things into perspective, the number of temporary foreign workers approved to work in Canada has surged from about 90,000 in 2016 to nearly 240,000 in 2023. This more than twofold increase reflects a growing reliance on foreign labor to fill vacancies in numerous sectors. This upward trend, though slightly interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, shows a clear and persistent demand for workers from abroad.
Where the Growth Is Happening
Different industries are experiencing this growth in varying degrees:
- Healthcare:
Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates have seen an astonishing rise in approvals—from a mere 16 in 2018 to 2,514 in 2023. This increase mirrors the heightened demand for healthcare support roles, which has been amplified by the pandemic and an aging population needing more care. - Food Services:
The food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations category experienced a significant jump from 170 approvals in 2018 to 8,333 in 2023. Similarly, food service supervisors and cooks also saw substantial increases in approvals. This boom reflects a strong recovery and growth in the hospitality sector, which has been bustling with activity as businesses adapt to new post-pandemic norms. - Construction and Trades:
For construction trades helpers and laborers, approvals grew from 132 in 2018 to 5,353 in 2023. This surge indicates ongoing and expanding infrastructure projects, as well as a robust construction industry that continues to thrive and require a substantial labor force. - Transportation:
The number of transport truck drivers approved rose from 1,584 in 2018 to 7,297 in 2023. This increase highlights the critical role of logistics and supply chain operations, which have become even more crucial in recent years due to heightened demands for efficient transportation and delivery services.
